THE DROP is a new crime drama from Michaël R. Roskam, the Academy Award nominated director of Bullhead. Based on a screenplay from Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone), THE DROP follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters – “money drops” in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood’s past. Also featuring Noomi Rapace, Matthias Schoenaerts, Ann Dowd and John Ortiz. (C) Fox Searchlight
My initial reaction to The Drop is simple and expected: it is fantastic to see James Gandolfini on screen one last time! In a role he provides extra depth beyond what is call for he will be missed. Audience’s better show up to make this a hit. I think they will. He deserves it. It is the collaboration with Dennis Lehane (as a screenwriter which compliments his work with Gone Baby Gone and Mystic River) that makes this such a fitting final movie for Gandolfini. The dark and gritty thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. The tension and the mood set by the filmmakers hit the spot.
In The Drop, Tom Hardy was incredible. He is emerging as one of the best actors working today, a versatile actor who can achieve greatness almost out of any performance. In this, Hardy is understated, low-key and rarely over-dramatic yet displaying passionate undertones. With Mr. Hardy starring alongside Mr. Gandolfini (in his final movie), it is as if he has passed the baton of disciplined, Meisner style acting to Tom Hardy. The Drop is hardly the exception for Tom Hardy, but rather the perfect example.
One thing worth noting: The Drop’s viral marketing campaign involved with the dog is effective, cute, and slightly dishonest. Yes, the dog provides relief to distract audiences from the grim realities in the movie. This is hardly a Marley & Me type of movie. It is unexpected and odd that a dog is out-promoting James Gandolfini in his last movie. One would think However, it is a touch of innocence to a movie with brooding, simmering tension. You should do just find as long as you don’t expect a dog movie.
I rate THE DROP a 7 out of 10.
